The state of Florida is now under warnings, as winds surpass 75 MPH.
— Michael Lowry (@MichaelRLowry) September 1, 2016
"We’re going to have storm surge, wind, rain," the governor told reporters. "We’re going to have flooding. All of this together, and parts of it by itself, is life-threatening."
Scott declared a state of emergency in 51 counties on Wednesday. Georgia Governor Nathan Deal also declared a state of emergency for 56 counties in his state, beginning on Thursday and effective through Saturday.
— WTSPThorson (@WTSPThorson) September 1, 2016
"Georgia is expected to receive severe weather related to Tropical Storm Hermine through Saturday," Deal said in a statement, prior to the storm being upgraded to a Hurricane. "We are working to ensure counties in south, central and coastal Georgia have access to the state resources necessary to prepare and respond when Tropical Storm Hermine enters Georgia. Our Emergency Operations Command will continue closely monitoring this storm and additional counties may be included in this declaration as needed."
The National Hurricane Center is urging residents to be prepared, as it will be the first hurricane to strike the region in over a decade.
— WFLA NEWS (@WFLA) September 1, 2016
The last was Hurricane Wilma in 2005.
"We haven't had a hurricane in a long time, so people often get complacent. So just think about this: Follow the news, have a battery powered radio in case you lose your power so you can follow," Scott said at a news conference.
Flash floods are a concern as 20 inches of rain is expected in some areas.
